HEADLESS Cross Ladies will be bursting with confidence ahead of Sunday's derby date at arch rivals Redditch United Women.

Rob Auld's side sit proudly atop Division One South of the West Midlands Women's Regional League after spanking another of the pretenders to the throne.

Lye Meadow was the only venue which survived Sunday's stormy weather and saw Cross follow up their 8-0 whitewash of early leaders Fairfield Villa with a 6-0 win over high flying Coventry Marconi.

Leading scorer Mandy Ellicott notched her 25th goal in eight matches and Sunday marks her playing return to a Redditch side she defected from in the close season.

But Cross manager Auld is at pains to stress his is not a one player team and saw five other players join in the scoring on Sunday, including second highest scorer Teresa Boddington who claimed her 12th in eight.

Eve Adams returned in goal at the weekend but right midfielder Tina Benbow, set to return after work commitments can also play in goal.

And with defender Shelly Dixon available, the leaders will fancy their chances against a struggling Redditch side.

A win will keep the pressure on second placed Fairfield and mid-table Kidderminster Harriers, who can still overhaul Cross by winning, respectively, their two and five games in hand.

Redditch could be handing a competitive debut to a new goalkeeper.

16-year-old Heather Cartmell is back to fitness after a broken toe and ready to make the step up from Redditch United Girls.

Reds boss Steve Tayler started the season with Sam Tayler in goal but had to move her into midfield because of injuries and put half fit midfielder Louise Taylor in goal.

Cartmell was set for her first appearance in Monday's charity game against Redditch Weatherguard at Studley.

Tayler is still without hamstring injury victim Natalie Plant and, after watching Cross destroy Marconi on Sunday hailed his rivals.

Kick-off is at 2pm at the Beehive.